Business and community stars

Finalists and Winners in the annual Hats Off to Excellence Awards

2007
Dr. William Cheuk, Origin Organic Farms Inc.
• Origin Organic Farms Inc. began in 1998 in Delta and has rapidly grown to be the biggest organic greenhouse vegetables produce in North America and is considered to be a world leader in melding cutting edge science with agriculture
• In eight years company grew from 10 to 42 acres and employs about 150 staff including a team of scientists and experts
• Approximately 15 million pounds of organic peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes are produced annually and can be purchased through major grocery chains throughout North America
Finalists:



2006
Pacific Professional Flight Centre Ltd.
Pacific Professional Flight Centre Ltd. has made Delta a centre for flight training to pilots from Canada and around the world. John Montgomery founded the company in 1986 and moved it to Delta in 1988, where he has built Pacific Professional Flight Centre into a large professional school with 41 employees. The school teaches private and commercial pilots on single and multi-engine planes and helicopters. As a leader in flight training, the school has developed a reputation for excellence and attracts 50% of its students from around the world, who join students from across Canada. To maintain the growing fleet of 30 machines the operation has its own aircraft maintenance company on-site. With letters of recommendation from companies like Air Canada, Central Mountain, Helijet and the RCMP, Pacific Professional Flight Centre Ltd. has made Delta the place to learn to fly.
Finalists:
B.C. Guide Dog Services
Muscle Memory

2005
Neutron Technologies
Neutron Technologies was established in 1999 in Surrey, providing industrial services and solutions to the manufacturing sector throughout the Lower Mainland. Neutron relocated to Annacis Island in 2003 and was ranked #46 in Profit Magazine’s Hot 50 Award for Canada’s emerging growth companies. Richard Gibbs, one of the three owners, has won Business in Vancouver’s prestigious 40 under 40 award. Neutron really does have its finger on the pulse of the economy in British Columbia. They have established a strong network of suppliers and customers and bring opportunities and increased profits to almost everyone they work with.
Finalists:
Spencer McDonald & Associates
Westham Island Estate Wineries Inc.

2004
TSI Terminal Systems Inc.
TSI, since operating in Delta Port Container Terminal at Robert Bank in 1997, has achieved incredible success through the use of new technology and operational innovations. Wiht their well-trained and highly motivated staff, TSI will set a new record this year and in doing so has established Delta Port as one of the most modern and efficient terminals in North America. TSI has made significant contributions to the community of Delta in the process of achieving its own success. One of the newer programs is called "Containers for Kids." With its buy-in-Delta philosophy, they rely heavily on local companies to provide supplies and services. TSI is working diligently with all parties to ensure their imminent expansion plans will fit into the community. It is important to TSI that they are a contributing part of Delta.
Finalists:
Delta Prescription Clinic
The Delta Recycling Society

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2007
Greg Hoover
• A family man, Greg also cares passionately for his community
• Member of the Tsawwassen Rotary Club
• Concerns over accidents and loss of life on our local roads and highways, he is best known for his work on the South Fraser Perimeter Road and how it will impact our environment, heritage, health, farmland and business communities in Delta.

2006
Eliza Olson
Eliza is a founding member, full-time volunteer and President of the Burns Bog Conservation Society. Since 1988, Eliza, together with a group of concerned citizens, rallied for the protection of the Bog to stop commercial development on it. While a main part of Burns Bog is an Ecological Conservancy, Eliza has played an important role in getting educators involved in saving the bog and in teaching the younger generations about the value of our natural environment. For example, she has initiated resource materials in print and video, workshops offered for professional development days, school field trips and children's summer day camps. Eliza has won numerous awards including the Canada Medal 125, the Queen's Jubilee, Distinguished Alumni - Vancouver Community College, Earth Day Canada's Hometown Hero. She has founded the Burns Bog Foundation and built an Endowment Fund. She is working to put an Interpretive Center in Burns Bog. It is her un-relenting passions to save and maintain Burns Bog as one of Delta's most important treasurers that helped her earn the Hats Off to Excellence nomination.
Finalists:
Kelly Guichon
Bill Thornton

2005
Art Arnold
Art Arnold, at 92 years of age, has been giving back to the community of Delta by volunteering his time with the Tsawwassen Community Police Station. For the past 18 years, he has worked with the Anti Vandal Patrol and the Citizen Crime Watch teams. He keeps a close eye on the community, patrolling local parking lots and tagging those vehicles at risk of being an auto crime target. He also does home security checks for local residents. Art compiles all the auto crime statistics, updates the crime maps, attends crime watch meetings and continues to help out in the office wherever needed. Art also volunteers at YVR with the Green Coast team. For the past 16 years, he has been a customer service ambassador, dedicated to helping visitors navigate around YVR. To Art, his enjoyment comes in seeing people being helped. Art is an exceptional man with a ton of energy, who gives back 20 to 30 hours a week to his community.
Finalists:
Kimberley Arthur-Leung
Norm Snihur

2004
Harry Caine
Delta Lions Club, Harry Caine. Harry is a retired pharmacist, and having always been an active volunteer, he has continued this trend since moving to Delta eleven years ago. As a Delta Lion, Harry has served as president and has chaired or chairs many committees, the most visible of these being the Cammidge House operations jointly with the GVRD. Harry can also be seen at the Cammidge Boot House Sale in the summer, the opening and on going fund raising of the Kids Playground at Centennial Beach, the Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall weekly car sale and at any Lions fund raisers. Harry is vice-president of the Bingo Club, volunteers weekly for the Delta Chamber of Commerce, created and continues to volunteer with the Vancouver Police Department Crime Stoppers program and has been instrumental in the creation, development and operation of the Delta Elder College. Most importantly though, Harry can be seen any day of the week at our local coffee shops, coaching, mentoring and helping teens. Harry is a model citizen dedicated and involved in the community... he is an inspirational guy that engages you in a way that shows he really cares.
Finalists:
Nancy Macey
Howard McLennan

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2004
Neil Marsh - Total Image Sgn and Screenprint Inc.
Neil Marsh transformed his fifteen year old business, Speeds Signs Inc. into Total Image Sign and Screenprint in October 2003. Following major corporate redirection last year, he has since tripled his gross revenues. He has expanded from a narrow market of signaage for buildings, vehicles and stand-alone signs into screen printing, clear coating and point-of-purchase for BC Transit. He is currently exploring digtial imaging. Neil's innovation has resulted in a fresh look on an existing business.
Finalists:
Dana Carroll - Mud Bay Wines
Vladmier Valastiak - South Side Grill

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2007
Lori Sawatsky, Emily’s Eatables
• Lori began Emily’s Eatables in 2003 after the diagnosis of Celiac disease of both husband and daughter
• Through word of mouth the gluten and wheat free bakery has grown exponentially where growth continues at their Tilbury Industrial location
• Emily’s Eatables are available to individuals and to selected bakeries including Ladner’s Richlea Bakery
Finalists:



2006
John Minns, Kayotics Skimboard Inc.
John is a young man whose love for his sport created a business with world wide potential. Skimboards are growing in popularity just as skateboards and snowboards have done. John sees the potential of skimboarding to become recognized as another extreme sport. In 2000, he established Kayotics Skimboards to do research and design. The boards are tested by world class riders in Florida, Texas, California and B.C. Kayotics is not limited to selling just boards, they have a full line of fleeces, T-shirts, bottoms, head wear and accessories which they sell along with their boards on a state of the art e-commerce website www.kayotics.com Each summer, John finds time to host the popular Boundary Bay Beach Volleyball Tournament at Centennial Beach drawing youth from all over the lower mainland. Watch as the world of skimboarding expands and knows that Delta is a major player
Finalists:
Rapidtech Computer Services - Sujay Nazareth
Nature's Path Foods Inc. - Jyoti Stephens

2005
Frank Wagner, Wagner's European Fabricare Professional Drycleaners
Frank Wagner brings in-depth knowledge of all aspects of fabric care to the industry, having studied 3 years in textile school in Germany and another three years apprenticing. Eight years ago Frank immigrated to Canada to join his mother’s small dry-cleaning business in Tsawwassen. In 2000, at the age of 24, Frank opened his own store in the Tilbury business park focusing on the commercial market. Under his guidance the company has grown rapidly and now employs 17 people. Wagner’s European Fabricare is now widely recognized for its superb quality throughout the Lower Fraser Valley. Frank also leads the industry as the President of the Dry Cleaners Association for the past 3 years.
Finalists:
Ryan Williams, TWI Surveys
Sujay Nazareth, Rapidtech Computers

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2006
CAPTIN (Toyota) - Elaine Christie
Captin (Toyota) came to Delta in 1983. Captin has a philosophy that transcends being just about today and today's profits. It is about tomorrow and the planet we live in. Captin is proactive in reducing the use of electricity and reducing waste. It was the first company to be certified as B.C.'s Power Smart Certified manufacturer. It is committed to reducing its solid waste going into the Vancouver Landfill in Burns Bog by 10% each year. These environmental acts have reduced costs and increased production by 14%. Captin is not satisfied in being environmentally responsible in its practices, the company reaches out to the community to share its expertise through the Tilbury Eco Industrial Partnership group and by supporting local Delta charities, including the Delta Hospital
Finalists:
DRS Earthwise Society - Patricia Fleming
South Coast Casuals - Bill McKnight

2005
Lower Mainland Vegetable Distributors Inc. - Peter Guichon
Part of the Delta community for several generations, Peter and his family have farmed in Delta since the late 1800’s. Today, as President of the Lower Mainland Vegetable Distributors, Peter oversees the marketing and distribution of 70,000 tons of product for 65 local “root crop” growers. Peter helps promote grower participation in several sustainability programs such as IPM (Integrated Pest Control) and the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust. Constantly looking for ways to decrease waste and increase profitability, one of the innovative marketing programs has been the promotion of “small potatoes”. Once considered a waste by-product, small potatoes are now in popular demand with consumers.
Finalists:
DRS Earthwise Society - Patricia Fleming
Taylor Munro Energy Systems - Joe Thwaites

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2004
CAPTIN (Canadian Autoparts Toyota Inc.)
The Toyota Motor Corporation is the first manufacturing investment in Canada by the Japanese automobile industry. CAPTIN strives to be an environmental performance leader. Prevention of pollution, their intiative to reduce landfill to zero (98% today), promoting environmental awareness, intiating periodic environmental audits and developing and implementing intiatives to conserve raw materials and energy are but a few of their programs. Last year alone they supported over fifty different community activities or teams, and focused several major corporate donations to different areas in the community. CAPTIN is a company going above and beyond in their commitment.
Finalists:
Delta Hospice Cottage Thrift Store
The Delta Recycling Society

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2006
Kelsey Leung
Kelsey is an impressive young woman who is a problem solver. The program, Kids 4 Success, was aimed at helping young boys at risk, but there was no program for girls. It was this problem that motivated Kelsey to spearhead G-Force with the Boys & Girls Club and the Delta Police. This program is aimed at increasing personal empowerment for young girls in grades 5 to 7 living in Ladner and Tsawwassen. Kelsey has been a Ladner Stingray swimmer and is a junior swim mentor and coach. She participated in the Terry Fox Run and Jump Rope for Heart and respresents her school in various sporting venues. With all her activities, Kelsey continues to maintain her academic standing as an Honour Roll student.
Finalists:
Spencer Andres
Sandeep Kaur

2005
Jason Wilkinson
Jason Wilkinson has been involved as a leader in the youth movement at Sacred Heart Church for the last 8 years. Through his passion and enthusiasm for education and life in general, he’s become an outstanding mentor and role model for many teenagers. He has a natural ability to lead young people through programs that focus on developing self awareness and expression, effective communication, team building, cultural experiences and the joy of giving. Jason also dedicates his time as an Assistant Volleyball Coach at the Delta Secondary School. In addition to managing his volunteering, Jason is currently finishing his Human Kinetics Degree and plans to continue his education at the Teachers’ College next year
Finalists:
Rachel Moens
Erin Gibbons

2004
Linda Rainbow
Linda Rinbow is an extraordinary and conscientious individuals who has been involved in an incredible number of volunteer activities. Linda's areas of interest have encompassed our environment, seniors, animals, outreach activities with the Ladner United Church, Sparks and Girl Guides. Some of the activities would include: Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Adopt-A-Street, River Works, Wonder of Water Project, Eco-Fair, Pacific Assistance Dog Society, Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary, SPCA, Westshore Laylum Seniors Residence, Augustine House Seniors Residence, and the list goes on! What is truly incredible is how much Linda has been able to accomplish at the age of 11.
Finalists:
Meghan McCullough
Victoria Cruz

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2007
Debbie Jager, Coast Tsawwassen Inn
• The Coast Tsawwassen Inn continues to strive for excellence, representing and promoting local agritourism, ecotourism and arts and culture in and around Delta
• The Inn took top honors in 2006 as Best Performing Hotel and achieved highest “Guest satisfaction with intent to return” within the Coast Hotels and Resorts chain
• Kudos also go to Chef d’partie Spencer Watts, Chef, Beaches Restaurant for winning the 4th annual City TV’s Eat Vancouver Master Chef competition
Finalists:



2006
Westham Island Estate Wineries Inc. - Lorraine Bissett
This estate winery just continues to grow since its conception in 2003. This was Delta's first winery specializing in home grown fruit wines, developed from planting, picking and processing on their own pastrocal Agri Tourism designated farm. Their gift store also offers a wide selection of wine jellies, syrups, gourmet goodies and gifts made by local artists, along with complimentary wine tasting and tours. Co-founder of the Fraser Valley Wine Association, Lorraine developed a Tourist Wine Tour Map. She also holds local fundraisers including DSS dry grad, father's day strawberry fest (in support of BC Exotic Birds Society) and the Wall of Wines. A unique and popular tourist destination in Delta.
Finalists:
Delta Museum & Archives - Catherine Ouellet-Martin
Kaymaran Adventure Tours - Tony Dales

2005
Kaymaran Adventure Tours - Tony Dales
Tony has helped increase visibility for the Tourism Delta visitor information agents by providing space at his new water front facility at the Elliott St. Wharf. He has taken an active role in conjunction with Tourism Delta, Delta Chamber of Commerce & provincial tourism agencies in helping to develop a 5 year strategic plan for Tourism Delta. Tony coordinated and promoted the boat shuttle between Ladner and Steveston Harbour during Ladner Market days. He operates guided kayak tours & rentals, organizes courses and clinics for various school districts and Parks & Recreation. He introduces many visitors to the abundant birds and wildlife in and around the safe and sheltered waterways of Delta.
Finalists:
The Coast Tsawwassen Inn - Greg Condon
Westham Island Herb Farm - Sharon Ellis

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2005
Edgar Dunning
He was born in Elbow, Saskatchewan, on January 7, 1910.
In 1922, the family moved west at the invitation of the Delta Board of Trade to start a newspaper in the municipality. The first issue of The Weekly Optimist appeared on March 23, 1922. Edgar graduated from King George High School in Ladner.

Edgar became active in the community life of Delta Municipality. In 1930 he took over the operation of the family newspaper. He served in young people’s organizations, one of them being All Saints’ Anglican Young People’s Association and Delta Ex-High Club. Instrumental in forming the Kinsmen Club of Ladner in 1935, he held the position of secretary until elected president in 1939. In 1941-42 he held the position
of national historian on the national executive of the Association of Kinsmen Clubs of Canada. Named a life member of the club in 1961, he participated in organizing the 50th and 60th anniversary celebrations
of the club. For a number of years he acted as secretary of Delta Memorial Park Association which staged Delta’s May Day celebration, the third oldest of its kind in British Columbia.

The Optimist became a member of the British Columbia Weekly Newspapers’ Association in 1922. Edgar Dunning became its president in 1941, the youngest person to hold the position. In 1942, he married Elsie Maria Bowing of Westham Island and they had two children. In 1950 he was President of the Delta Board of Trade.

He also served with the Canadian Weekly Newspapers’ Association and represents the Optimist at Conventions to this day. Edgar received Delta’s first-ever Freedom of the Municipality Award in 2004.

2004
Ernest Burnett
The Board unanimously decided to bestow this Award to honor the late Mr. Ernest Burnett.

Ernest Burnett, F.C.A. moved to Delta in 1958 with his wife Betty (predeceased in 1989) and his five children. Ernie was dedicated in all he undertook, from a youth in church to the Boy Scouts and throughout his lifetime of business and community service in Delta.

Besides his Chartered Accountant practice in Delta, Ernie was a charter founding member of the Ladner Rotary Club, the Delta Foundation, the BC Standard Breeders Society and the Delta Leadership Prayers Breakfast. Ernie served Delta as an Alderman from 1971 - 1979 and as Mayor from 1979 - 1987. He was named Citizen of the Year 1991 - 1992 and received both the Queen's Jubilee Medal and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. He also served on the Boards of Delta and Surrey Memorial Hospitals, Delta Hospital Foundation, Ladner Business Association, Delta Police Board, BC Parole Board and the GVRD Board of Directors. He served as President of the Delta Chamber of Commerce in 1963 - 1964.

Ernie was a family man, a community supporter and a well-respected and well-liked citizen of Delta. Ernie passed away suddenly in May of 2004 but his legacies will live on in Delta for many years to come. He had a Lifetime Achievment in Delta and for this he is being recognized posthumously with this First Ever Award given by the Board Members of the Delta Chamber of Commerce.